Utilization of forest flora by Phayre’s Leaf-Monkey <i>Trachypithecus phayrei</i> (Primates: Cercopithecidae) in semi-evergreen forests of Bangladesh

Abstract

Trachypithecus phayrei was observed to use 29 floral species belonging to 14 plant taxa for feeding, resting and sleeping in the semi-evergreen forest of Bangladesh. Principal food items were young and mature leaves (47%), shoots (19%), flowers and buds (16%), fruits and seeds (14%) and petioles (4%). T. phayrei preferred leaves in December (76%), fruits and seeds in June (57%) and flowers and buds in April (41%), respective lowest preferences were in April (49%), February (10%), and January (9%). There were two feeding peaks: early morning (0600-0800 hr) and late afternoon (1400-1600 hr). The studied group of T. phayrei divided into sub-troops during foraging and feeding.